Securable and Verifiable Food Delivery Bag

ABSTRACT

One embodiment of a securable and verifiable food delivery bag with a key component that is a panel (13) built seamlessly into the upper end (12). This element includes a pull strip (14) and an adhesive band (15) which allows the unit to be self-sealed. This panel (13) includes a Quick Response (QR) code (16) which may be utilized in a variety of capacities depending on factors such as the market, space and industry. Additionally incorporated is an identification number (17) which corresponds with QR code (16).

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/944,456 filed 2019 Aug. 5 by the present inventors.

Food delivery services currently take place through a variety of providers who leverage technology-based applications as part of their process. Through these services, consumers typically receive their items in paper bags of varied compositions holding a range of consumable items. Within the current market, these bags are at times enclosed by some form of adhesive, or label in an attempt to improve hygiene and customer safety. However, in many instances, food delivery bags are not sealed or secured in any appropriate manner.

Instead, the bag is simply rolled or folded at the top to keep the contents in place during transit. Adhesives and labels do not provide an appropriate level of safety and security for consumable items as they may easily be removed. Additionally, folding or rolling the top of bags leaves customers completely at the mercy of food delivery drivers with the hope that they will deliver items in a manner that maximizes sanitary and hygienic measures. The global COVID-19 pandemic will have a long-standing impact, and safety and security considerations are at the forefront as efforts are made to minimize interpersonal contact through social distancing and contactless delivery methodologies. This results in the need for much higher levels of security and safety since this often necessitates the elimination of driver to customer hand offs. Instead, it is often the preference, for the safety of all parties, for items to be left at doorsteps or other preferred locations.

An additional problem is the lack of mechanisms to confirm that items are delivered to the correct recipient or location. This often results in the cancellation of orders, or consumable items being delivered to or accessed by the wrong parties. Currently, third-party delivery services primarily depend on the Global Positioning System (GPS) to direct drivers to delivery locations. However, there are no easily confirmable identifiers placed on the actual delivery bags to ensure that they are taken to the accurate location. This problem is exacerbated in situations where drivers are in possession of multiple bags that must be delivered to a variety of locations. The direct impact of this deficiency is a significant reduction in efficiency for delivery drivers, and a minimization in the safety standards and the quality of service for customers. Unfortunately there are no protocols or set criteria in place for these services, and there have been many documented cases of food/item tampering, missed deliveries, including those made to incorrect addresses.

SUMMARY

In accordance with one embodiment, a securable and verifiable bag incorporates a panel that leverages Quick Response (QR)/Internet of Things (loT) technology, a self-adhesive component and a readily available confirmation number for immediate verification.

Advantages

Accordingly, the Food Secure Bag is representative of advantages when considering multiple aspects, and these are as follows: to provide a self-adhering, tamper-evident panel which vastly improves upon the level of safety and security of any consumable item. When this self-adhering feature is utilized, items are only accessible with a pull strip, which results in the entry point to the bag becoming opened. This pull strip significantly improves security while synchronously maintaining ease of access for consumers. The QR/IoT technology and the conformation number printed to each bag allows for a seamless and reliable confirmation process. There are various applications of these features, and one or more embodiments involve an initial scan by the sender, confirmation by the delivery service provider to ensure accuracy of items submitted at each location, and a final confirmation by the party receiving the bag. Additional advantages of one or more aspects will be apparent from a consideration of the drawings and subsequent description.

DRAWINGS—FIGURES

Below is a brief description of each drawing included within this application. These were limited to four figures in an effort to present a clear and concise concept of the item and the correlated features:

FIG. 1 shows various aspects of the securable and verifiable food delivery bag from the front-side perspective, with the securable panel in the closed position.

FIG. 2 shows the rear-side perspective with the securable panel in the open position.

FIG. 3 shows the perspective view from the front-facing left side with the bag in the open position. The self-adhesive strip and the pull strip are illustrated.

FIG. 4 shows the securable and verifiable food delivery bag from the lateral cross-section view in the open position.

Drawings - Reference Numerals (Subsection to Drawing Figures): These ae the drawing numbers that designate the respective parts of the invention. 11 securable and verifiable food 12 upper end of bag delivery bag 13 securable panel 14 pull strip 15 adhesive band 16 quick response code 17 identification number 18 seamless panel connection 19 bottom side of bag 20 opening to bag

DETAILED DESCRIPTION—FIGS. 1,2,3,4

FIG. 1 is a perspective view taken from the user's front side of the food delivery bag 11 developed in accordance to the invention. The upper end 12 includes a key component which is a panel 13 folded into the closed position. This element includes a pull strip 14 and an adhesive band 15 which allows the unit to be self-sealed. This panel 13 is seamlessly built into the rear side of the bag FIG. 2 location 18 and includes a Quick Response (QR) code 16 and correlated identification number 17 which allows the user to verify the received item by scan or visual confirmation of the correlated identification 17. The QR code 16 and correlated identification number 17 are placed at the users left side of the bag when viewing the unit from a frontward perspective. The bottom side of the bag 19 does not have an opening, and therefore no securable panel 13 as the upper end 12. The entire item is constructed with reusable, compostable and recyclable paper.

FIG. 2 is a rear side perspective view of the bag 11 with the securable panel 13 placed in the open position. This illustrates the pull strip 14 which must be utilized to access the items contained in the bag, the QR code 16 and the correlated identification 17 for user verification. The adhesive band 15 is also illustrated and identified.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view from the user's left side of the bag 11. The bag is placed in the open position, and identifiable are the pull strip 14 utilized to access the items contained and the adhesive band 15 which allows the bag to be self-sealed.

FIG. 4 is a lateral cross-section view of bag 11 at location 20 in open position. The securable panel 13 is folded into the downward position to illustrate the positioning of the QR code 16 on the user's left hand side and the correlated identification number 17. Also identified are the pull tab, and the location of the adhesive band 15 which allows the bag to be self-sealed. The positioning of this band is identified, however, from this perspective it is on the reverse side of the securable panel 13.

Operation—FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4

In operation, an individual utilizes the bag in a normal manner with items being submitted through the upper end of the bag 11 at location 20. As per normal use, one may place the bag 11 in a vertical as illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 or horizontal position as illustrated in FIG. 4 prior to submitting the item(s) they would like to secure. After items have been placed into the bag 11, the user removes the film that covers the adhesive band 15. The securable panel 13 is folded forward toward the front side of the bag and pressed down firmly across the entire length of the panel.

The user may then scan the QR code 16 and/or document the correlated identification number 17 as this information is necessary for the individual receiving the item(s) to verify the bag 11. This information may be provided to the individual receiving the bag 11 through various means including but not limited to the following: E-mail notification, automated phone call, direct phone call from sender and notifications through a mobile application. This item is then submitted to the individual providing the delivery service. The delivery service is then responsible for ensuring that the bag 11 containing all items submitted by the sender is delivered to the receiver in an acceptable condition especially when considering the securable panel 13.

Additionally, this bag 11 may be placed inside any insulated or non-insulated bag which is typically used by a food delivery service provider. Upon delivery the bag 11 should still be fully secured. Prior to accepting, the individual receiving the bag will have an opportunity to verify the bag through various methods including but not limited to: Verification scan of the QR code 16, and/or verification that the correlated identification number 17 matches the number they received in prior notifications such as email, automated phone call, direct phone call from sender or notifications through a mobile application. Following such verification, the individual receiving the bag 11 will pull the pull strip 14 from either end horizontally across the entire length of the securable panel. Upon completion of this course of action, the receiver will have access to items, which were delivered in a secured and hygienic manner.

Advantages

From the description above, a number of advantages of the outlined embodiment of my securable and verifiable food delivery bag become evident:

-   -   (a) The self-adhering panel creates a sealed, secured         environment for items during the process of delivery. This is         always of importance; however, it addresses an immediate problem         as restaurants and delivery drivers navigate the global COVID-19         pandemic.     -   (b) Bags are constructed from paper that is sourced responsibly         through the use of reusable, compostable and recyclable paper.         Focus must remain on the reduction of the carbon footprint as         part of the necessary collective effort to protect the planet.     -   (c) Quick Response (QR) codes leverage Internet of Things (IoT)         among other technological applications. As a prominent feature         of the self-sealed panel, QR codes allow businesses and delivery         drivers to provide customers with the notifications that are         critical to the process of providing high quality services.     -   (d) Quick Response (QR) codes leverage Internet of Things (IoT)         among other technological applications. As a prominent feature         of the self-sealed panel, QR codes are a critical component as a         measure to ensure that items are delivered to the accurate         locations. The propensity for delivery address orders becomes         heightened when drivers are required to handle multiple items to         various locations.     -   (e) The use of the QR code allows customers to immediately         confirm receipt of the package, and that they are receiving the         correct package. This may be completed through a quick scan with         a wide range of mobile devices.     -   (f) Below each QR code is a printed confirmation number which         coincides. This allows customers who would prefer not to scan         the QR code, or those who do not possess the technological         savvy, to confirm that they are receiving the correct package.     -   (g) The integrated pull strip allows for ease of access to the         securely contained items. This is in consideration of         individuals who may present a wide range of needs.     -   (h) Bags may be created in various shapes and sizes with the         self-adhering panel integrated. This allows for a wide range of         application in various markets and spaces.     -   (i) QR codes are place on top of the pull strip. This is an         additional consumer safety feature as it prevents any potential         reuse of the QR codes for delivery or confirmation purposes.     -   (j) Bags are tamper evident, and upon a quick visual inspection         by customer, they will be able to ascertain if the items         received are in the acceptable and desired condition.

FIG. 1 shows the bag in a standing position with the self-adhering panel in the closed position. FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 show the same bag from the back, and left side respectively. FIG. 4 shows the lateral cross-section view of the bag with the self-adhering panel in the downward position. Comprehensively, these illustrations show each of the components that play critical roles in the overall functionality of the securable and verifiable food delivery bag when considering the problems it solves.

Conclusion, Ramifications and Scope

Accordingly, the reader will observe that the various components of the securable and verifiable bag results in a high level of functionality as it relates to improving the quality of service provided to consumers. Additionally, these features result in a level of safety especially times of global crisis such as the current COVID-19 pandemic. With this bag becoming broadly accessible to a variety of industries, markets and spaces at the global scale, many consumers will have a greater sense of confidence especially when using third-party delivery services. Reports of food tampering, inaccurate delivery locations and inefficiencies are a daily occurrence, and the securable and verifiable bag will present immediate solutions to many of these problems. Furthermore, the securable and verifiable food delivery bag presents many advantages in that:

-   -   it results in an immediate improvement to the level of safety,         security, and hygiene throughout the process of any consumable         item;     -   it is customer-friendly, and presents multiple means to confirm         that the bag received matches with prior notifications received         from restaurant, store or other service provider;     -   it incorporates Quick Response (QR) codes which may leverage a         variety of technological applications such as Internet of Things         (loT).     -   it is composed of paper that is recyclable, reusable, and         compostable in consideration of reducing the carbon footprint.     -   it is tamper evident, and with a very quick inspection of the         received bag, customers are able to determine the items         contained were delivered in a secured and hygienic manner.

The description above is inclusive of many of the specifics, however, these should not be considered as exhaustive. These serve to illustrate some of the applications and embodiments, and should not be seen as limiting in scope. As an example, there is flexibility for the placement of various components such as the QR code, and the technology leveraged within the actual code may vary. Ultimately, the securable and verifiable food delivery bag and its components may be tailored to meet the specific needs of the service provider and the customers. 

1. A securable and verifiable delivery bag comprising: a. seamlessly integrated core-element means that will result in a paper bag becoming sealed and verifiable if the adhesive band is utilized, and b. a pull strip which extends across such means, that when pulled from one end of such means horizontally to the other end, removes the aforementioned seal and renders the inside of the bag accessible. A code and corresponding number are printed over one portion of said pull strip, whereby said pull strip, code and corresponding number allows such core-element means to become verifiable and if unsealed if aforementioned adhesive band has been utilized. 